I was so surprised the other day when my puppy had made yet another puddle (new to housetraining) and I told her ‘no no’ and wagged her finger at her. Her response was a sit down and hang her head. She may not have been feeling guilty but she certainly looked as though she was! So what’s going on? Here, she is most likely reacting to your body language and the disapproving sound in your voice. It’s unlikely that guilt came into it, in fact, unless you actually caught her in the act of making the ‘puppy puddle,’ she would’ve …

This is a rather uncomfortable subject to take on, but my husband and I have been involved in professional dog breeding and AKC exhibiting of Labradors for the last four decades, along with our local dog club, involvement in consulting on dog legislation with our local Representative, and several dog clubs. During that time, since we breed labradors, we really never went through a ‘recession’ and we’ve had people travel from all over the country to get our pups. One of the uncomfortable things that I have both observed and gotten proof of from our state, is that there are …

I’ve lived with a lot of dogs in my life, from hounds to labradors and even a terrier. All of them seem to have one thing in common about the enjoyment of rolling in something that smells disgusting. It might be fox scat, something dead or something completely unidentifiable. Every single dog I’ve ever had has followed this pattern, apparently, when they roll in things that smell remover revolting to us humans. There are several options put forward by behavioral experts for this one. No definitive answer is really possible. But there are many possible reasons. When wolves are observed …

Question: I have an intact male who is five years old and we live in the countryside so he mostly walks off-leash. When we go out for our first morning walk, one of his first jobs is to find a secluded place and relieve himself, but as soon as he’s done so he stretches out his body with his back legs, exuberantly gravels up the earth in long channels scratching it up with his claws as soon as he finishes his job, he joins me and continues his walk. What is he doing and why? Answer: dogs know that they …

We are so grateful for our dear friends, Bud and Alice Roberts, to guest write another blog post for us on resource guarding. You can read Part 1 here! As they’ll explain below, Bud and Alice have many years of experience in the dog training world, including in Bud’s military career and in their spare time working with rescues. Their wisdom is invaluable to us, and truly, we trust them implicitly with any training questions we come across. This post was mainly to help people know what kind of training to do early on in puppyhood to prevent resource guarding …

Labs have very special needs in older age than other breeds due to their size, their build, and their unique qualities. Helping them grow healthy is the first step, but then once they hit 8 or 9 they enter the SENIOR YEARS (a couple gray hairs ‘may’ appear–but not necessarily)—and many old/experienced breeders will tell you—it is critical from that age on (and what you’ve done up to that point) that will determine the length of your dog’s life and the QUALITY of its life. If your Lab is a family member, like ours, then you want them to be …

US Navy sailor launches rescue of small puppy saved during overseas deployment: ‘Can’t leave a comrade behind’ An American soldier is hoping to be a hero for a puppy in danger. U.S. Navy sailor Joy (last name withheld) found a helpless pup while on her fourth overseas deployment in the Middle East, the New York-based nonprofit organization Paws of War told Fox News Digital. Now a veteran, Joy found two puppies hiding near her base. Considering the harsh conditions in the area, she knew the animals’ lives were at risk. Paws https://pawsofwar.org of War said that life for homeless animals …

There are many reasons an individual may feel they can no longer care for their pet, whether it be a disability, aging, change in housing or jobs, or even death. Many of us have not made provisions in our wills for our dogs when we can no longer care for them—and as a result, many end up in shelters, or going from family to family in a rescue situation.     Any reputable breeder will take any of their dogs back at any time. But it’s also a good idea to have, written down, who will be the guardian of …

Puppy Training Camp at Endless Mt. Labradors—generations of knowledge!!! Many people, these days, are too busy to train a puppy, work long hours, or have never done it before and would love a professional to do it. At EML we offer several packages for training your puppy, but there is only limited space and time, and may not be available at all times of the year. But we can train for a week or two. That pretty much covers the basics. Here are the things we work on with them, listed below. Lindy Packard is our intuitive PUPPY WHISPERER who …

The term “vaping” is a misnomer that implies ESD’s emit harmless water vapor, when they, in fact, discharge aerosol filled with toxic chemicals at levels even higher than in tobacco smoke. E-Cigarettes heat, vaporize, and emit numerous harmful chemicals exposing your Lab to substantial risk. Some of the chemicals cause cancer and are reproductive toxins (causing harm to the hormones—even in neutered or spayed animals–showing up in coat and skin issues or worse). Carcinogens include nitrosamines, formaldehyde, cadmium, lead, and nickel. When ESD heats propylene glycol, a common vaping liquid ingredient, it forms propylene oxide, a known carcinogen. Exhaled ESD …

Question: My 5-year-old Labrador roughhoused with a younger dog all afternoon. Tonight his tail is limp, and he can’t move. I think he may have broken his tail. It hurts because he walks away from me when I touch it. Did he break it while playing? What should I do? Answer:  Whenever these traits are observed, make an appointment immediately with a veterinarian to get them checked out. He may have strained a muscle, tendons, or ligaments that actually support his tail and make it wag! This issue usually appears suddenly as a flaccid tail hanging straight down, or is …

If one were to roughly compare the extent to which Border Collies have had their intelligence improved, it equates to a dog with the intelligence of a three-year-old child, or about 40% more intelligent than an average dog—which is to say that an average Border Collie can be considered a genius of the dog world; this means they would equate to a human with an IQ of 140 or higher on average.” But to be clear, when a dog is too smart–they can outsmart YOU and training can be a challenge! Border Collies are one of the hardest to train. …

Well, if I had a dollar for each time I heard, “Blacks are the ONLY true Labrador” among the most elite breeders, ringside….(blah blah…) I can say I had to research, scientifically, and experientially (amongst our founding breeders in the US) if this was at all true! Almost 36 years ago I began to research breeding Labs and bought the books I felt would help teach me the secrets of the old breeders that originally developed the varieties we see in the AKC. So many times I go to the “old books” and WALLAH, the old wise breeder SPEAKS! Oh …

The TOP FIVE MISTAKES people make in choosing their labrador: …(hint) its more about choosing a breeder than a pup. 1.  A breeder should NEVER resort to tearing down other kennels or breeders names in order to sell you a pup, whether that be on the phone or somewhere else. Trust me. From being in the dog show world long enough, I’ve observed this time and time again. How about they tell you all the GOOD things about their dogs?? 2.  Their response should be timely and professional. They will be interviewing you, so don’t be surprised if they have …

Buyer Beware: When purchasing a pup from a breeder, you need to ask some very important questions. 90% of professional breeders (especially those who show their dogs!!!) these days are starting to add “fine print” at the END of the sale (springing it on you at the last minute, or trying to fudge what they are actually doing). Ask if there is a spay/neuter contract (some will REQUIRE you to spay or neuter by a certain age…too early…therefore stunting the growth of your dog, not allowing it to reach its full maturity and stature….a vet won’t tell you this…they only …

vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_textMany people ask me what I think about getting two puppies at once, or adding a second Labrador (or dog).  Well, here is my opinion… Getting TWO puppies at once! I actually do advocate getting 2 puppies…afterall…dogs are PACK animals, so they are happiest with their own kind. It also solves the question of “guilt” when you are away and can’t be with your dog.  It also is less stress on the pups (no lonely crying pup in the middle of the night…), and is less stress on you. You do the training once for both…easier than getting a pup …

Endless Mountain Labradors – Approved Dog Toys Everyone is ALWAYS asking what toys we recommend for labs, here at Endless Mt.! 🙂   Below are some of our favorites (well, the dogs’ favorites!)… and we do offer a crate package full of these fun goodies at the time that you pick your puppy up! Kongs We LOOOOOOOOVE the Kong!  Not only are they indestructible (especially if you get the black color, “extreme”), but you can stuff all sorts of treats and yummies in them for your pup! Nylabones Nylabones are another great, durable toy for your labby poo!  They even …

  Raw Diet.  Say these words, and your vet will go BERSERK! But here are the FACTS… The main reason they freak out: The people who don’t have a clue how to feed raw, and the vets who have extracted splintered (cooked!) bones from a dog’s guts. Boy, have we come a LONG way in our understanding and feeding or raw diet to our dogs in the past 20 years (we are about 200 years behind the UK and Australia–but at least their dogs are expected to live into their 20’s!!!! so we have soooo much to learn!) Pet food …

vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text title=”What is a “PANDEMIC PUPPY“ OR A “PANDEMIC DOG?“ : BEHAVIORAL AND ANXIETY ISSUES (by Donna Stanley)”We’ve now watched it for 2-3 years–the covid pups (like covid children)–its been a challenge and many of these dogs have lost social interaction and show a lot of fear with human interaction. As a breeder, I observe this across the board with not only the general public, but with our own pups, as people report back to us. And from friends who got pups during that time-frame. At first glance, your pet may seem to be a perfectly normal adolescent young dog—happy …

This blog is rather personal for me, and I’m sure I’ll have completed it having shed many tears in the writing of it. It just so happens that my dear Amy (a Romeo daughter) is almost 13, but is creeping into those senior years. Now, she still walks 2 miles a day with me and is doing quite well for an old gal. But I did many things right with Amy, and many things wrong. But one of the things that is on my mind now is that I want to do right by her is in getting her a GOOD, …

I have loved and respected this man over the years as not just a pet parent of our dogs, but a specialist of decades on dog behavior and training. He has invested unbelievable time helping our clients over the years with free consultation and guest blogging for Endless Mt. Labradors. I am so pleased to release a guest blog by this lovely patriot, adopted father, x-military,and BEST dog owner/trainer in the world!! Here’s a photo of Bud and his lovely wife, Alice:     ..and their two Endless Mt. Labrador Therapy dogs…Hope (AKA “Hopey” and “Abby” Today’s post is written …

vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text title=”Why does my Lab walk in circles before lying Down?” Why Do Dogs Walk in Circles Before Lying Down? Back in the days before fluffy pillows and luxurious dog beds, dogs had to make their own bed. By flattening the grasses and brush for themselves and their young, they made a comfortable nest and drove out critters such as snakes. (oh my!) Scratching imparts a scent to their bed expressed by the small glands located in the feet, further defining the space as their own (think ‘Frito feet!”). You will see them scratch at, crumple, and even wind themselves …

“Why is there a price difference between ‘full registration’ and ‘limited registration’ for an AKC dog? And why does it matter?”All of our pups are AKC registered, but the American Kennel Club, as a registry, designates two different types of registration: Limited Registration – Is AKC registered but it is understood that the dog is not to be bred (just a pet), but can participate in any and all 30+ AKC competitions, except conformation. Full Registration – Is AKC registered, but you have the full rights to breed the dog and register its offspring, as well as show in conformation. …

vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text title=”WHY HAS MY LAB SUDDENLY BECOME REBELLIOUS? (THE “ADOLESCENT STAGE“ IN CANINES)” So you’ve trained your dog into the perfect little soldier and he’s cruising along with everything all fun and games when all of a sudden (gasp!) he suddenly has “selective hearing,” forgets former training he used to love, and develops quick, strange bad habits. Does he seem to almost be ‘testing you?’ This stage WILL pass…but when can you expect it to BEGIN and end and how can you deal with it swiftly and completely? It hits somewhere between 6-15 mos. There’s no ‘set age’ per se. …

vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS IF YOU CLICK ON A LINK AND PURCHASE SOMETHING, WE MAY EARN A SMALL COMMISSION (AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!). AS AN AMAZON PARTNER, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.   /vc_column_textvc_column_text Happy Summer Solstice! Summer is OFFICIALLY here! As you know, Labradors are water dogs through and through… and we’ve found some fun toys and products that are perfect for the Summertime!   /vc_column_textvc_column_text Kong’s Floating Fetch Toy for Water Play We are big fans of Kong toys in general, so we were excited to see they have this retrieving …

vc_rowvc_columnvc_single_image image=”14007″/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_columnvc_column_textOk so this picture above is a little deceiving because the plants shown actually fall in the toxic to dogs category… I am just lucky that my dog (and past dogs) do not bother my plants at all! If you don’t know me already, my name is Annastasia and I am Donna’s assistant here at Endless Mt! During COVID, like most, I took on a new hobby and interest! Houseplants! If you look at my camera roll on my phone you will find pictures of puppies, dogs, and my plants… oh and my kids, of course! The late great …

vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and purchase something, we may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). As an Amazon partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. Even though this may be the case with some recommendations, they are based on our honest opinion and personal favorite products!   /vc_column_textvc_separatorvc_column_textLong nails affect your lab in more ways than you might realize.  Keeping them trimmed short is so imperative. Many people are nervous to cut them by themselves and cut too short, but trust me… that’s better than leaving …

Smart Dog Collars are a technology to help track your dog’s location and a whole other list of data. We have found some of the best smart dog collars and trackers for 2018. Dogs are one of the most rewarding pets a person can have. This is due to their loyalty and amazing personality, as well as the fact that they love you no matter what and are always there for you. Getting appropriate accessories for your dog is important because they’ve long ceased to be just ordinary accessories. Dog collars now aren’t just collars which go around your dog’s …

vc_rowvc_columnvc_column_textSurely, breeders all have their own methods of taking reservations, waiting lists, planning litters, and so on. But it’s definitely helpful to understand the timeline of a planned litter, so that as the buyer, you can better understand what your own timeline should look like./vc_column_text/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_columnvc_single_image image=”13651″/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_columnvc_column_textThere are certainly times of year that are popular for folks to look for a puppy… that tends to most often be Spring, right at the beginning of Summer, and also for many the Fall (after their Summer travels). As far as timing goes through, as a breeder… that’s sadly largely out of our control. …

ENGLISH VS AMERICAN LABRADORS We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the history of the Labrador Retriever, as we have included our personal history in the homepage text as well as in the section, “about us”. So many people ask us, “what’s the difference between the “English” and the “American” (field) labs? There is such a big difference that the AKC has, at times, considered splitting the breed. There is a difference in build, as well as temperament. If you are looking for strictly a “field” dog for field trial competition, go for the American field …